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Although the voltage regulator is working, it’s an aftermarket with the wrong mount pattern so it’s being held in by only one screw. However, yesterday I came across what appears to be a new or slightly used Delco-Remy 6v positive ground unit, 1118303E, that has the proper mount pattern but it doesn’t match any numbers for voltage regulators in the parts book. Is this a replacement part number or would it cause any issues if installed?

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I don't believe that regulator will work in a Packard. Even as far back as 40 the generator output was regulated to 35 amps and according to Hollanders that regulator is 30-32 amps.

Hollanders number is 105 and if you look starting at the bottom of the left column and continuing on to the right column you can see the various vehicles the regulator was used on. Looks like mostly trucks or tractors.

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Thank you, Howard! I knew you would know.

One of my next tasks is to remove the power antenna. I know that seems to be a jump in the wrong direction but it’s out of necessity because it’s stuck partially extended and interferes with the lift above it. It’s about a foot and a half too high! I’ve removed these before but not for decades and know that it’s not too easy with it extended, especially if unable to lift the car up. This Patrician, fortunately, sits high (too high!) which will help.

Speaking of antenna, is its plastic bezel being reproduced? I saw them for manual antennas but not for electric. I haven’t looked but I presume Steele has the grommet.

I don't see a bezel for the power antenna either but if you have an original in halfway decent shape good enough for a pattern at least, you might contact Lavine Restorations and see if they would be interested in adding it to their repro collection.

If you cannot get the extended antenna out and you are able to reach up and access the antenna body you could probably follow these instructions Packard made on shipping damaged units. I believe the aluminum tube they are suggesting removing to pull on the nylon strip is just held on by a nut-- similar to how fuel lines connect. I think by 53 or 54 the tubes were in a coiled circle rather than a large oval.

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Thank you, Howard. Now that I’m reminded, I recall having to do that before many years ago and knowing it now (again) should really help!

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Yes, Lavine Restorations does make it, though it's not on the website. They had an unlabeled template that they weren't sure what it went to. After I provided some measurements they realized that the template was for the 51-54 powered antenna.

My car didn't come with that plastic piece, so I had one made. Then as luck would have it, I found the original one in a box of junk inside another box of junk that came with all the stuff in the trunk of the car. I won't be using it now, so if you want it I can send it to you.

-Kevin

Kevin, That is very thoughtful and generous of you! Mine is okay but I recall that when I used to drive the car regularly so many years ago, that the plastic had an an awful, almost melted-looking surface so I machined it down slightly making it a little smaller than stock and the same with the chrome nut before it was replated. Anyway, I will PM you and we can discuss there. Thanks again.

Now if I could locate the custom tool I had made for removing the nut before I have to order a regular spanner! My tool worked so much better.

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I got the lock tumbler out easily and put it into the rebuilt switch but need to take out out again and can't get it out! I can feel the clip releasing but the lock won't budge.

The lock tumbler finally came out late last night after I grabbed it when it least expected so wasn't resisting. I wanted to remove it to see if the lock had a code stamped into it and it does although it took considerable effort and even lightly filing it with a points file to make it readable! Now to see if there are any locksmiths with the books and skill/knowledge to convert the code to a key.